#VoteEctor

Those running for city council and ECISD trustee seats have filed the first candidate contribution and expense filings, which run the gamut from thousands in contributions to absolutely zero.

The financial reports, which were filed Thursday, show current Ector County School District board president Donna Smith and current District 4 City Councilman Dean Combs as the candidates with the most contributions.

Combs spent $4,685.37 in advertising and posters while Joven spent $2,335.50, most of which was on signs.

Smith shows $4,005 in contributions while her opponent, current Ector County Hospital Board member Richard Herrera, shows $0 in both contributions and expenditures. Smith spent $1,086.89 for campaign post cards and doorhangers.

In the seat being vacated by District 3 Councilman Royce Bodiford, who has reached his term limit, Cathi Echols far outpaced candidates Barbara Graff and Pete Munoz Jr. by raising $3,450 to Graff’s $1,448.46 and $0 by Munoz.

In the District 5 race between incumbent Councilman Benjamin Velasquez and challenger Roy Hunton, Hunton outpaced Velasquez by raising $3,650 to $850 by the incumbent. Most of the money spent by both was on signs.

Total: $2,335.50. (Editor’s note: This number seems to reflect repayment of the loan from A-1 Roofing and Construction, but the repayment is not documented in the form. Also, $37.93 Joven said he paid for ordering checks is not listed.)